WHO sends technical team to Malaysian field hospital in Cox's Bazar

By Syed Azwan Syed Ali

COX’S BAZAR (Bangladesh), Feb 18 (Bernama) – The World Health Organisation (WHO) sent its technical team to the Malaysian Field Hospital (MFH), making the hospital a point of reference for other field hospitals in Ukhia district, here. 

In operation since December 2017 to ease the stress of the influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar,  the hospital was also involved in the strategic advisory group which is participated by WHO, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and UNHCR since Feb 12.

The Health Ministry, via Op Starlight 1, managed the hospital before it was taken over by the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) on March 2018.

Since Aug 2018, the hospital is under the charge of the commander of Op Starlight 2, Colonel Dr Mohd Arshil Moideen.

Dr Mohd Arshil said MFH also chaired the working group comprising 18 hospitals in the district since December last year.

He added that MFH has treated 56,000 patients comprising Rohingya refugees and locals since it went into operation.

He also said MFH receives an average of 5,000 patients a month since the start of Op Starlight 2, reaching as high as 8,031 cases in October last year. 

"MFH accepted more patients as we have the blood bank. We also conduct complex procedures such as operations for implants and cancer, childbirth emergencies and dental services, as well as being in operation for 24 hours from Mondays to Fridays,” he told Bernama, here, today. 

MFH is an initiative of the Prime Minister's Department since 2017 to help in managing the influx of Rohingya refugees. 

More than 700,000 Rohingya refugees escaped the unrest in northern Rakhine since Aug 25, 2017.

Op Starlight 2, made up of 56 ATM officers and members as well as seven medical experts and seven medical officers, will end on Feb 28 before proceeding to Op Starlight 3.

-- BERNAMA